It is advisable to report a sexual assault, even an unsuccessful attempt. The information you provide may prevent another person from being assaulted. When you report a sexual assault, any information you can remember about the attack will be helpful – the assaulter’s physical characteristics, voice, clothes, car or even an unusual smell.

If you have been sexually assaulted, you should call the police as soon as possible; do not bathe or change your clothes. Semen, hair and material under fingernails or on your clothing all may be useful in identifying and prosecuting the assaulter. If the assault occurred on campus, call Campus Sheriffs at 310-287-4315 or from Campus Phone: dial 4315 or go to a outside campus emergency phone (the blue phones connected to sirens).

It is very helpful to contact a rape treatment center, where qualified staff members may assist you in dealing with your trauma. If you are unable to make the contact yourself, have a friend, family member or police make the call.

Finally, it is important to remember that many individuals will mistakenly blame themselves for the assault. However, being sexually assaulted is not a crime – the crime has been committed by the person who assaulted you.